SINGING FOR UNCLE HỒ: People’s Artist Bạch Tuyết (right) and young singer Hoàng Dũng will perform at the music gala titled Thành Phố Hồ Chí Minh - Vươn Xa Khúc Hát Tự Hào (HCM City — Forever Song of Glory) on Nguyễn Huệ Pedestrian Street, District 1, on July 2. Photo courtesy of the organiser

HCM CITY — HCM City will launch a special programme of cultural and artistic activities on July 2 celebrating the 46th anniversary of the day Sài Gòn-Gia Định was officially named after late President Hồ Chí Minh (1976-2022).

The event is organised by the city’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism in co-operation with its partners, including art and theatre associations.

A music gala titled Thành Phố Hồ Chí Minh- Vươn Xa Khúc Hát Tự Hào (HCM City— Forever Song of Glory) opens the event on the Nguyễn Huệ Pedestrian Street, District 1, on July 2.

The gala features dozens of artists from traditional art troupes in the city and neighbouring provinces.

Highlighted performances will include tài tử music, a traditional form considered the prototype for vọng cổ (nostalgic tunes) and cải lương (reformed opera) of southern Việt Nam.

Tài tử music began more than 100 years ago and was recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2013.

People’s Artist Bạch Tuyết, a guru of cải lương, pop stars Quang Linh and Hồ Trung Dũng, and young singers Hoàng Dũng and Tùng Kao will be featured.

A photo exhibition of President Hồ Chí Minh and the city’s developments since it was named after the President opened on Nguyễn Huệ and Đồng Khởi streets.

The event includes photos and documents on the life and career of the President and the city’s achievements in economy, society and culture, and international integration. It will run until July 15.

Cultural centres and art clubs around the city will also organise singing and sports contests aimed at children and teenagers to mark the day. These events are expected to attract several hundred young people on the weekend. — VNS